Special Education Advocate

• Cajon Valley Unified School District (6 years): Education Specialist, Behavior Specialist.
• Poway Unified School District (16 years): Education Specialist, Administrator Designee.
• San Diego Unified School District (2 years): IEP Administrator, Behavior Specialist.
• Poway Unified School District (4 years): Education Specialist, Specialized Academic Instructor, and Master Teacher.

Mr. Spindler’s background as a Special Day Class (SDC) teacher and Specialized Academic Instructor has provided him with valuable insight into the specialized instructional approaches required to support students with special needs. This experience plays a critical role in his deep understanding of how to develop and implement effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

An IEP is a legally binding document under federal law, designed to guide educators in delivering instruction tailored to a student’s unique goals, strengths, and accommodations. Mr. Spindler’s expertise ensures that these plans are not only thoughtfully crafted but also successfully implemented in the classroom, resulting in meaningful and measurable support for each student.

Drawing on his extensive experience as an IEP Administrator, Mr. Spindler brings a thorough understanding of the legal and procedural requirements necessary for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to meet California state standards. When an IEP falls short of these expectations, he works collaboratively with the IEP team to implement the necessary modifications—ensuring full compliance and the highest level of educational planning.

Upon receiving a new/draft IEP, Mr. Spindler conducts a meticulous review to identify any discrepancies, concerns, or areas requiring revision. He then engages in a detailed discussion with the parents to share his observations and insights. Following this conversation, he prepares a comprehensive report outlining comments, questions, concerns, and recommended changes. This process is designed to refine the IEP into a well-aligned, actionable plan that fully supports the student’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth.

In his role as an Educational Parent/Student Advocate, Mr. Spindler prioritizes collaboration with the IEP team to ensure that every plan is fully student-centered. He carefully reviews the Present Levels of Performance to confirm they are current and aligned with the Baselines, which serve as the foundation for developing meaningful and targeted IEP goals. Mr. Spindler also ensures that all goals and short-term objectives are clearly observable, measurable, and achievable—contributing to a well-structured and effective educational plan.

A central part of Mr. Spindler’s advocacy work involves empowering parents by educating them about their rights within the IEP process. He firmly believes that parents are the most important voices at the IEP table and emphasizes the importance of their active, informed participation in advocating for their child’s needs.

Recognizing that the world of Special Education and IEP law can be complex and overwhelming, Mr. Spindler is committed to demystifying the process. He works to make each step clear and manageable, ensuring that families feel confident and supported as they navigate their child’s educational journey.